Complines ...

... because it is so late. Today I went to get the beast with four paws from what I like to think of as summer camp for dogs. He, on the other hand, thinks of it as solitary in Alcatraz. The folks there, who dote on him, had clipped his claws and given him a bath (they refused to give him the lobotomy I requested). Once again he looks like the Fluffy Tailed Demon of old. For the first few minutes he lived up to the name, running around like a loon. Got him home. The girls are nowhere to be seen - hiding under the bed no doubt. They don't like the little lummox. They thought he was just fine at summer camp. They are now looking at me funny.

Took him for a short walk down by the riverside. It was hot, about 95. At least there was low humidity so we survived, especially under the trees. Then I went up to school for a few hours of work.

I think the CPAP is doing its job now. I did not wear it last night, had no trouble driving, and have not had to take even a short nap today. That seems to mean I can build up some rest and go for a day or so without worrying too much. This is an enormous burden off my mind.

Report on my trip to the big library ...

... also know as Chapel Hill. I dropped the silly beast off at the doggy hotel. The folks there were glad to see him (they must be charging more than I thought). Then off to the really big library on the campus of Chapel Hill. My new CPAP equipment must be working because I didn't fall asleep at the wheel. That always gets a trip off to a good start.

Went into the library and worked the computer catalog for a bit and then went into the periodical room. I'd explain why that is so much fun for me, but I suspect no one would understand. Met Mulan's dad there as planned.

He and I went off to dinner at the Mediterranean Cafe on Franklin Street. It was good food, but crowded and warm. No, make that hot. We were at about 90 when I left home and it was quite a bit hotter in Chapel Hill. After dinner we went over to the Irish Pub next door for a brew or two. All the waitresses wore short little Irish skirts. And long white socks. Maybe it is just me, but it reminded me of the school girls in Japanese comic books. But my innate sense of decency prevented me from noticing much of this. Mulan's dad just wanted to talk anyway. Good Irish beer.

He put me up at a dorm room in the Methodist center right next to the Carolina Inn. We went in the Inn. It is very fancy, very old South, and very expensive. He called Mulan and I spoke to her for a minute. She is so grown up now and is such a good niece for me.

The next day we said good-by and I went back into the really big library until almost closing time. Had a bit of trouble finding my car, but I won't bore you with the details of that. Went to Lime and Basil, the Vietnamese place Carmen and I had eaten in before, and had a bowl of Pho - really really good Pho. If you are ever in Chapel Hill check it out.

Got home on Saturday and enjoyed the rest of the weekend sans dog. The little cats were delighted.

.

The Economic Report as researched by the little lummox ...

... who was taking me for a walk through the UPS depot. It was time for all the trucks to go out so they were very busy and a man came out to shoosh us out of the parking lot before one of the drivers drove over us ... or more likely, before the silly beast went for a dive for one of their wheels in motion.

Oh. The economic report. UPS is doing fine, but. . . We went to the little cabinet factory next door. Many times the lummox and I have passed by when it was going full tilt, with noxious paint fumes rising and saws burring. Usually about a dozen cars of workers were in the lot. The lummox always enjoyed walking around and behind the building, I think because the workers usually ate lunch outside. And where there are southern good ol' boys eating, their are lots of scraps on the ground. The dog could usually find them.

Today the factory was dark and silent. All work stopped there some weeks ago. But this evening I saw a sign on the door: THIS PROPERTY IS OWNED BY SOMEBODY OR OTHER'S BANK AND TRUST." So, bankruptcy followed by repossession.

Even an ugly factory when it is working is filled with the snap and crackle of workers earning a living. A closed up factory, no matter how small and cute, is an ugly, depressing thing.

That's the silly dog's judgment anyway.

though it might be prompted by the lack of fresh scraps. He only has a little brain you know.

.

Question for Carmen ...

... does this photo on AOL look like anyone we know?

BTW, AOL thinks this is a "Cringe-Worthy-Photo"!!!

well, I can see why.

Very short update report...

... I have walked the little lummox - he got lucky behind Pizza Hut today and found most of a pizza. A vigorous discussion ensued which Clemens won by brute force.

Last night had dinner with Máeráed, Máire and Little Mr Miggs. Máeráed picked the menu and was skewering fruit kabobs when I arrived. Miggs was trying to eat the ingredients of the kabobs even as she worked. Mac N Cheese was the main course of course. Miggs lost his pants somewhere in the course of the evening of course.

Meanwhile, Murty came into the airport late and found that Carmen's car, which he had borrowed so he would have reliable transportation, would not start. The battery was dead as an Avar. Only my innate sense of decency and sensitivity prevents me from mentioning that he left the lights on when he parked in the long term parking lot.

at least that is what Máire says.

.

For all you futbol fans out there ...

... Lord of the Rings meets the South African World Cup!

A kid friendly video.

now I am off to take the lummox to summer camp.

One last little detail about that dog ...

... who I am leaving behind when I go to Chapel Hill. I called the Animal Hospital today to reserve a room at the doggy hotel. The young lady asks what's the name... I say Clemens, but the dog is probably under Carmen's name. There is a brief pause while she checks the computer. She must find the name because next I hear:

"Oh, you're bringing Leo over!"

"Uh, yes. .. Do you know Leo?"

"Oh, I know Leo!"

I decide not to ask any more questions.

When we last saw poor Clemens ...

... he was consoling himself eating homemade beef and beer soup in the kitchen by himself. Well, except for the 35 lbs of useless dog laying at his feet. I think I am spoiling that boy. He liked the soup even better than I did.

BTW, this afternoon I discovered why Carmen gets so mad at him on his walks. I had to pull a disgusting bone that he was trying to swallow out of his mouth. It didn't help that it was about 93 degrees out today. As it has been for the last few days. You could fry an egg on the pavement but he'd rather walk on the tarmac of the old runway than on the grass. His paw pads must be half an inch thick or made out of asbestos.

Had lunch today at Branchiforte's with our local historian friend. He was reminiscing about growing up in a duplex on the hill right behind the restaurant. We talked a bit about the church and a few other things. He knows our dog-sitter and thinks she is very conscientious and takes her pet sitting seriously.

Had dinner at the Mellow Mushroom with Máeráed and her family. Our recovering Republican friend was there too and in fine fettle. So far no one else is running for the office he filed for so he may win! Máeráed was too busy playing with her little DS to say much to me, and Miggs was in a fussy mood, though he did come over to set in my lap. I let him, mainly to give his poor parents a break. It looks like his hair is growing a bit. For a Vietnamese kid his hair is light colored and has a bit of a curl.

I let Máire take Carmen's car. Murty will drive it to the airport tomorrow and bring it back on Friday. The Neon is broken. Máire is not happy with the local Chrysler dealer, but then in my 20 years here I have never heard of anyone who was.

Well, that pretty much covers everything going on for the moment. I am deep into the history of the Indo-Iranians, the Aryans, and Vedic culture. I will try to get some writing done tomorrow on the article.

So, to bed. Once I finish this beer I am drowning my sorrows with. And planning my trip to Chapel Hill on Friday to see Mulan's dad .... uh ... I mean, to do some serious research in the University Library.

Evening Update on my walks with the lummox...

... and other stuff. Let's see .... I am getting behind. Yesterday morning I took the silly dog over to the Community College Park. Suddenly he went into his infamous killer crouch and I thought, Oh no, here we go again. But then I saw a big old dog walking towards us with his owner. It was Puppus Doggus, his old friend. Of course he ignored Puppus, but refused to take his eyes off his owner. The guy who always give the lummox a little dog biscuit. He gets his treat and the owner and I exchange pleasantries. He recognized my silly dog, but not me. Wondered what had happened to the nice lady who usually walks him.

Then I drove up to Boone taking my CPAP machine that I wear for apnea with me. I have been feeling worse and worse lately, tired, bone weary, never feeling fully awake. I am not THAT old (I keep telling myself). So before I start another round of tests I thought I would get the equipment tested. Roger the Respirator Tech was not there, so I talked to Bob the Respirator Tech. He checked the stuff and said all the soft rubber parts should be replace no matter what. He clearly thought that was most if not all of the problem. So I got a brand new set of nasal plugs of a much more efficient design. Also a new chin strap that is four inches wide and white. Now when I put it on I look like Jacob Marley.

But I tried the new rig and think it makes a real difference. Got through the day feeling much better. I am tired, but it is only normal tiredness (what a oenophile is to wine I am to fatigue these days). It comes from getting up too early this morning - long story, but I will just say to Carmen that Mosby has finally come to believe that yes, indeed, I will give her turkey and Ben has decided that if Mom isn't here, she can still hop on the bed, meow into my face, and get a Ben moment of petting and snuggling.

Unfortunately just as she was getting settled I coughed (another long story, probably involving old age). Unfortunate events ensued.

Last night I made beef and beer soup. It was better than I remembered it. Now I have something to eat for a few more days, even though Máeráed has invited me over for her pasta on Thursday.

This post is getting long so I will add another one in a few moments.

Addendum to report for yesterday:

Friday, that is. (ooops - there was no report for yesterday).

Went up to Boone to the county court house to see our recovering Republican friend Alan-a-Dale throw his hat in the ring to run for supervisor of soil and water conservation. Let's just say he has his reasons. They involve neither water nor soil nor conservation. I wish him luck on that. Aside from me, his ex history prof, he had his mother and about 7 or 8 young friends show up. His land lady and next door neighbor also were there. I think he bribed them with an offer of lunch at Galileo's. Anyway, we will count it as a groundswell of grassroots support.

Since it is the bar closest to the front door of the Board of Elections I went over too (solely as a show of solidarity in a good cause). Had their usual good soup, a cheap beer, and some, uh, interesting conversation. Some of it with a three year old about the colors of the cabin in the stain glass window right behind our head. And the bug that was crawling around between us. Unlike most little boys he didn't kill it.

Alan-a-Dale thought it was hilarious to watch me talk to a three year old.

I told him I wasn't going to vote for him anyway.

Very late night report ....

... we have had some weird lightning and thunder here tonight with high winds, but the storm never showed up. Leo does not seem to be bothered by the thunder and lightning as much as he used to be. So far he and the girls seem to be taking the absence of Carmen in stride, though we have had the usual problems with the futon (Ben) and the carpet (Mosby).

Yesterday after walking the little lummox I rushed up to have dinner with Máeráed and her family. Instead of mac n cheese we had rice and chicken and something they never did explain to me. It was good though. Clovis was there too. Mr Miggs got rid of his pants fairly early in the evening, then took the phone out of my hand to talk to Carmen. I didn't think he would say much but he started chattering away. I had to snatch the phone back.

Today I went up the mountain to the Black Elvis' house for a good bye party for Dave and Karen. Mr Miggs was there and soon divested himself of his pants. Máeráed took me out for a walk in the woods. She said we were going to a fort and she knew exactly where it was. We started walking and I said "Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure!"

Some time later, "Are you sure you know where this fort it?"

"Of course I do! It's just over the other side of the hill Uncle Clemens!"

Five minutes later: "Are you sure? I think we have been by this part of the trail before."

"NO, it's right over there!" she says, pointing in a direction completely different from the way we started out. Or the way we are going for that matter.

Soon the slightly older boys whose fort it was came through the woods and saw us.

Sensing rescue from this walk in the woods, I ask them if they know where the fort is.

"Sure - it's over there!" and they point in a completely new direction.

"See? I told you I knew where it was," said Máeráed.

Memo to self: don't go into the woods with self assured 8 year olds. Especially if they say they know where they are going.

Anyway, I left after a brief stay in the fort, which turned out to be a clear spot by a small stream under lots of branches, bushes and other stuff. One of the older boys kept warning us about the copperheads. I left Máeráed with the boys at her insistence. The boys ignored her and continued their conversation about the difference between Wiccans and Witches.

When I finally got home I took the lummox out for his walk down by the back end of the Greenway. For some reason he really did NOT want to cross over the boardwalk and go down the trail. I don't think he likes it for some reason but can't figure out why. After about 20 minutes I took him back to the car. He seemed fine with that. It was over 90 here today so maybe he was just too hot.

Carmen and I always knew ...

... there was something seriously wrong with this guy.

I mean, who would mistreat Winnie the Pooh. At Disney Land!

.

For pantless boy with cheeks of tan ....

... DANCING ROBOTS! An absolutely kid safe video.

you know who you are.

Complines report...

... it's too late for anything else. I had a good, relatively productive day. Spent some time on the computer going through the library holdings and researching the late Byzantine Empire's military situation. Found a lot of good stuff. Then I read through my manuscript draft of the article on the Alan expedition to Byzantium. I have not finished writing the narrative yet but once I do the analysis should be simple since I've already put so much thought into it.

Perhaps because I was in a late Roman mood after all that I watched about an hour or so of "Fall of the Roman Empire" complete with commentary by the producer's son and another movie expert. Gorgeous movie. In case you have never seen it, it is basically "Gladiator" with a larger cast, better sets and costumes, better script, music, etc., but less excitement.

This morning took the silly dog down to the back end of the Greenway. This time he actually completed the walk. There were lots of bikes on the trail, mostly parents with kids.

Yesterday I took the little beast over to the big Merlefest stage where a gaggle of little 6 year old girls up on the stage for some sort of organized summer program saw him coming. By the time he was about 1/10 of a mile away they started making little dog sounds, woofing and barking at him. He ignored them. When we got up to the stage about a dozen little girls were exclaiming how cute he was and asking if I could bring him up so they could pet him. I took him up to the little camera platform about 3 feet below the stage. Tiny hands reached through the railing and petted him, while he turned his back and gazed out over the sward. He seems to expect this kind of adulation and is willing to put up with it if he must. The little girls were very nice, and very polite, thanking me many times for letting them pet my little dog. If they only knew.

I am holding up well, even though it has been four whole days on my own. Actually, it isn't so bad. Even Ben and Mosby are being sociable. Mosby hops up to sleep with me and Ben has been running all around the house. Yesterday she had one of those head to head confrontations with Fluffy Pasha, the big cat who lives in a box on the porch next door. He raises his head up over the bottom of the big bay window that Ben sleeps in during the day. This usually drives poor Ben into a complete screaming maniacal tear that somehow ends up with her getting into a knock down drag out cat fight with Mosby.

This time there was only a moderate amount of hissing and a rather sedate run under the bed. And in less then a minute she was wandering back into the front room to see what Fluffy was doing. I think this is her idea of flirting.

The house still looks and smells deliciously clean after the two hours Carmen's two friends put into cleaning it yesterday. I can probably undo all of that by Monday. But I have to admit, I could get used to having someone come over to clean up.

It is getting late and I want to go to get up early tomorrow. Alan the Recovering Republican is having a ceremony to mark his filing to run for commissar of Soil and Water Conservation. I have to think, what harm can he do in that position?

I mean, compared to, say, BP in the Gulf?

The Morning Report ...

... as delivered by me, Clemens, for Carmen.

Woke up late of course. Did my matins while eating breakfast. Multi-tasking.

Walked the silly dog at about 10 am. I was going to take him to the Greenway for the shade but he wanted desperately to walk down the street so we went off to the medical center. He likes that walk for some reason and even kept up a fast pace despite the heat. Trotted over to the Pizza Hut where he continues to hope to get lucky and find some pepperoni. Probably the best work out with the Great Dawdler I've had in weeks.

Now we are back, the girls are sleeping, I am wasting time on the computer.

See, Clemens can do just fine on his own.

now, off to my daily rounds.

On my own ...

... now that Carmen has left me. Well, for three weeks while she is suffering from the extreme heat of that pestilential swamp hole to our south, taking care of her sister Binanny while she recovers from surgery I am on my own. Except for the friends Carmen has hired to come over and clean the house once a week. And the neighbors, all of whom she has told to look after me, especially if they see me wandering around the neighborhood reading a book rather than paying attention to the traffic. And I have several options she has set up in case I want to ditch the dog and get out of town.

But I am reduced to cooking for myself. Actually, I rather like that, at least for awhile. My skills tend to involve sharp knives and lots of chopping so I brought out the ol' Crock Pot. Although last night it was late when I got home so I tried my other skill: pan frying a small steak. That worked well. This morning before I took the lummox out for his walk I chopped up a bunch of stuff and threw it into the Crock Pot along with some special herbs and spices (mainly curry powder and cumin) and let it go all day (my finger should be healed by the end of the week).

It turned out to be Lentil Curry soup and was excellent if I do say so. I gave a bit of the broth to the little lummox and he concurred. (I must admit though that it has been some time since the lummox had any other reaction to any type of food)

Tomorrow, of course, will be dinner with Máeráed and family at the soon to be gone Mellow Mushroom. Her mother has given me a big bag of potato soup and Carmen left me enough spaghetti sauce to feed the Italian army.

So you might say I am fixed for food.

Life with the Little Lummox ...

... and two weird little cats now that Carmen has left us for three weeks. Yesterday I had to go up to school and then came home early enough to take Leo for his little walk. We went over to the soccer playing fields at the Riverside Park. There were a number of Hispanic teams playing and many of the players' families were there. As we were heading for the car a gang of little kids came running over to see the lummox - they looked like they ranged from three to six and all boys. Only the biggest seemed comfortable in English. They asked if he was mean - I said "No, es muy amable con ninos. So they all started petting him. "Sauve!" I said. They were very gentle with him but were full of questions: What kind of dog was he, what did he eat. I tried to explain about how he loves to hunt moles and other underground animals but none of them knew anything about underground animals. I let them play with Leo for a few minutes. He looked perfectly content with all the adulation from the little crowd. When I saw a second wave of little kids, this time girls, heading for us I figured we better get the showboater into the car before he became a bit too popular.

This morning we went down to the trail by the dam because it is shaded and runs alongside the river and so is simply cooler than any of the other trails. He likes that. Actually he likes variety. This evening we went to the Community College but he insisted on walking up through campus where Carmen never takes him.

Well, that's one day down.